Kill Pills

Working in my studio a few months back, I decided to listen to the book Art & Fear,* by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This was a revisiting, as I’d read it years ago, before the time I made the practice of art a full time pursuit. Then it did little more than convince me it was a good thing I didn’t “become an artist”, given the poor chances of success in any form, and the staggering rate of attrition for those who took a shot. Now, after many more years have had their way with me, I find a much boarder and optimistic vision in the book.

The authors start by naming the two “kill pills” to an artist’s continued journey: 1) predooming her own efforts, and 2) losing her path. This seems rather obvious for anyone planning any kind of journey. First, you conceive the adventure, which is followed by planning - a visualization. If the adventurer is dubious she can made the necessary arrangements, or endure the itinerary, or survive the risks involved… it all ends here. Pre-doom. If the adventurer launches her journey, she will continue until something throws her off. Lost path. However, these are not just an artist’s obstacles. These are obstacles we all wrestle with every day and in every pursuit we imagine for ourselves. Our most mundane triumphs, and failures, have been teaching us over and over again that we are enough to begin.

Whatever artistic endeavor we imagine, there is good reason to move ahead. Pay scant attention to the clashing Cyanean Rocks, Pre-Doom and Lost Path. We have all proven we can strategize, row fast and endure a little stern damage to come out on the other side. Today, when I consider the two “kill pills” noted in Art & Fear, I find two obvious antidotes: 1) keep rowing, and 2) find your tribe. Good advice for anyone on a journey.

Dawn Malcolm - March 2023

*Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland, Image Continuum Press - 2001